Murali Gopy: My father is my hero

Murali Gopy, writer-actor and son of National Award winner, the late Bharat Gopi is making a comeback on the big screen after nearly a year. He has written the story and screenplay of Ee Adutha Kaalathu and also acts in the film helmed by editor-director Arun Kumar Aravind of Cocktail fame. He last appeared in the highly acclaimed Kadama directed by Kamal.

Ee Adutha Kaalathu has an interesting mix of actors: Indrajith, Anoop Menon, Nishan (of Ritu fame), Mythili, and Tanushree Ghosh besides Murali Gopy.

 A journalist and short story writer as well, Murali gives an interesting insight into his approach to cinema in general and acting and writing in particular, in this interview.

How did Ee Adutha Kaalathu  come about?

Arun Kumar Aravind had offered me a part in his movie. He also asked me whether I had any ideas (for a film).

I have this habit of jotting down one-line treatment of my themes. I gave one of those to him and he was impressed with it. That was the genesis of EAK.

The teasers are very intriguing with an ensemble cast and multiple narrative streams. Is it similar to the recent success, Traffic?

No, not at all! It is not a typical multiple-narrative film. Though it has several characters in it, I would call it a genre-mix.

Could you elaborate on that?

EAK will hopefully present a new brand of entertainment. The narrative is such that each character and dialogue is accounted for. The screenplay will be like solving a Rubik's Cube. The film will unfold like a game and a movie. Or that is how we have devised it.

You made your debut as a writer and an actor in Lal Jose's Rasikan nearly eight years ago. Yet, there have been just four films so far...

Being prolific is not what I aim for. I am like the Enfield Bullet, the casual engine note of which is sweeter than when it is on full throttle (laughs).

Is it because journalism is your bread and butter that you are choosy about films?

You can say that, though I won't bravely say I am a journalist. It's all about "packaging news" now. I would call myself a journeyman rather than a journalist.

And I consider the silver screen as a sacred place. I try my best not to litter it.

Can we say that movies are in your blood?

Achchan (father Bharat Gopi) acted out of confidence. I do it out of fear (laughs). ButI love cinema. I am passionate about it. I love writing on films and writing for films.

And acting?

I look at myself as an actor only when others do. I am a good actor-watcher, if you ask me, but I tremble within at the prospect of acting. It is too great a responsibility for me.

What about storytelling?

While storytelling starts with you, acting starts with the character you are playing. Before telling a story, you listen to yourself. Before playing a character, you listen to the character.

I am always in awe of the character I play. When I write, I am just concerned about how it is going to get translated onto the screen.

In Bhramaram(2009) you had Mohanlal in front of you and Blessy behind the camera-- two of the best. How was the experience?

It was a learning experience in every sense. Mohanlal is a great senior. He does not patronise you. He astonishes you with the affection he has for his co-stars. He is subtly inspiring.

Blessyettan is one of the most focused creators I have met. And I consider it my luck to have worked with the best of Malayalam filmmakers--Lal Jose, Blessy, Kamal-- in my first three movies.

What influence did your father have on you?

He is my hero. He was not the advising kind; he always encouraged me in whatever I did.

A look of approval from him, or a pat on my shoulder was enough to make my day.